Prime Those Teats

There was an picture in this morning's newspaper (not the one to the left) reporting the effect the heat has on the production of milk cows. The picture showed a man "priming" the cow's udders. PRIMING THE COW'S UDDERS??!! Such a thing exists in the cow milking world? Having never been raised on a farm, despite what many believe, and having never actually milked a cow myself, I decided to check this out. And yes indeedie, one must prime a cow's udder prior to milking.

After bringing your cow to the milking center or going to the cow, "The next phase involves the removal of a few squirts of milk from each teat" This makes a couple of things happen: It allows the farmer to see if the milk has clots or flakes in it, and secondly, it gets rid of bacteria that may be in the teat opening. So next time you grab that glass of milk, remember some cow's teat was primed for you to get that!

A Stuck Record?

Bush and Rummy continue to sound more and more like a stuck record. During a Senate public hearing today, Senator Hilary Clinton reminded Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld that this, "is not 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, when you appeared before this committee and made many comments and presented many assurances that have frankly proven to be unfulfilled." Clinton also called for Rumsfeld's resignation. I too am tired of the same old song and dance. Bush and Rummy say the same things at every public occasion. Perhaps they think if something is said enough times, everyone will believe it. Problem for Bush and Rummy is more people are not buying the BS any longer. Clinton has not until now joined the number of Democrats calling for Rumsfeld's resignation, but she too is now not believing the nonsense.

An Easy Way To Piss Off Your Conservative Friends

I recently came across a commentary written by Alan Wofe in the Washington Monthly. I learned today it is an easy way to piss off your conservative friends, if you have any. After slamming the Bush Administration, stating that, "This administration, if not the worst in American history, will soon find itself in the final four", Wolfe begins his reasoning for why Conservatives cannot govern.

Wolfe starts out by presenting the major premise of Conservatives that, "Contemporary conservatism is first and foremost about shrinking the size and reach of the federal government." This mission, Wolfe argues is "an ideological one." As such, this Conservative ideal cannot solve "real-world problems, such as managing increasing deficits or finding revenue to pay for entitlements built into the structure of federal legislation." But once in office, Conservatives must seek ways to better the lives of citizens by handing out wanted entitlements.

Wolfe continues by stating that, "Conservatives cannot govern well for the same reason that vegetarians cannot prepare a world-class boeuf bourguignon: If you believe that what you are called upon to do is wrong, you are not likely to do it very well." Wolfe also makes the point that this is one of the reasons FEMA has failed under the Bush Administration while flourishing under the Clinton Administration. Conservatives do not believe in government being utilized to assist and help, while Liberals do.

Wole give a lot more examples of why Conservatives cannot govern, and the article is worth the read. How can someone lead if what they believe in, in this case little or no government, is what they are supposed to lead?

Hezbollah....A Surprisingly Strong Foe?

Did Israel or the world ever expect Hezbollah to be such a strong foe? This conflict is in its 23rd day and it doesn't appear Israel has inflicted any real hurt on Hezbollah. The Hezbollah missles keep flying and Israel keeps pounding...further and further into Lebanon. What does it all mean? Who the hell knows!

YEEE-HAWWW.....Concert Time

Going to see Brad Paisley tonight at the Borgata. Can't wait to mix it up with the Country Boys & Girls.................YEEEEEEEEEEEE-HAWWWWWWWW!

Come On, It's 2006...Why Still The Negativity!

Today's Philadelphia Inquirer had a brief story in the "Newsmakers" section about Simon Cowell, the "mean" judge on American Idol and how Cowell, just a couple of years ago had to deal with rumors he was gay. It made me think: why is there still such a negative attitude when someone is gay? Why do people have to "deal" with rumors about being gay? Do people "deal" with rumors about being black? Do people "deal" with rumors about having blonde hair? (Some do if it's colored). Do people have to "deal" with having blue eyes? I mean what's the BIG "deal" anyway? So what if someone's gay! It's not their choice! Lance Bass, the singer with the group 'N Sync just admitted that he was gay, and it took an entire article in People Magazine. It just blows my mind! It's 2006! You would think that Americans would be able to handle the fact that someone is gay as it's just another part of a person's life. Do we make a big deal about someone being straight? So what's the big deal about being gay?

Bush Violating The Constitution? DUH!

An American Bar Association task force says George W. may be violating the US Constitution. Well, "no shit, Sherlock!" The report of this task force states that Bush may have overstepped his authority in attaching challenges to hundreds of new laws. Bush has added many "bill-signing statements" to many of the laws passed by Congress that Bush signs. These "statements" suggest the president will decline to enforce some laws, and not adhere to some parts of the law because it is in the nation's best interest to do so. I have never heard of such stipulations added to bills before by presidents, but I understand it is common practice. However the ABA says Bush may have gone a bit too far. What brilliance!

An illlegal war in Iraq. Overstepping his bounds to fight terrorists by illegally wiretapping. Keeping prisoners of war, but not having to obey the Geneva Convention rules! These are just a few of the ways George W. has violated the Constitution. I would even be willing to go a bit further and say perhaps George W. has committed war crimes against humanity. Not only is Bush guilty of killing hundreds of American soldiers, but how many innocent Iraqis has Bush slaughtered. It's about time somebody brings the fact that Bush has overstepped his authority to light.

I'll Never Understand The Middle East

I have to admit it: I will never understand the Middle East. And maybe it's because I really don't try hard enough. Everytime I do attempt to figure it all out, things just too complicated and the history goes back way too far for me. I sound like a typical hick when I say, "All they know is how to fight each other. It's just how it's always been." But guess what? Ever since the beginning of time there has been war in the Middle East. One group denies the right of another group to exist. Every country in the Middle East thinks the other country is in their rightful territory. And on, and on, and on. Sadly, alot of this mess comes from religion.

Each Middle Eastern country and each Middle Eastern faith thinks they have the truth. Each party feels their God, or should I say, their perception of their God, is right. Christians in the US feel the same way, but at least they're not willing to die for their belief. To each of the parties in the Middle East, their land, and much more of it, was given to them by God. And each country does what ever it can to get back what is rightfully theirs. And as we all know, some of those believers also think dying for the cause will bring them eternity and rewards in Paradise. Strange thing is not all those countries in the Middle East can be right. But which ones are?

So when I try to figure out the current troubles between Israel and Hezbollah (Lebanon), it is hard to figure out who is right and who is wrong. Hezbollah, the military party in Lebanon, was democratically elected to a majority in Lebanon by the people. Good, right? Well, not for Israel since Hezbollah wants Israel destroyed and does not recognize Israel's right to exist. So Israel, in their opinion, was provoked and threatened has begun this conflict, or war as some might call it. But is Israel going too far? As I heard one critic say, instead of using a scaple to cut out this cancer (Hezbollah), Israel is using a chain saw.

When my mind tries to comprehend this mess and all the other messes that have happened in the Middle East over the years, I usually just stop and go back to my quiet little world. Just like when I get enough of the Middle East crisis on CNN, I turn on the Three Stooges. At least that's something I can understand....but why can't Moe just let the others have their own space. I don't understand!

Get Going Again

It's been sometime since I have written anything. As a matter of fact, it was on my mother's birthday, 6/26 that I made my last post. My mother has been gone since 1985 when she left this world. Not sure if that put a "block" in my mind or exactly what happened to just keep me from spilling any of my unimportant thoughts.

My last post occured just after I had returned from NYC Gay Pride. But since then, gay marriage has taken a big hit. The New York State Court of Appeals ruled that gay marriage is not allowed in NY. In summary, the court ruled that the NY Constitution does not recognize marriage between members of the same sex. But angry New Yorkers continue to show their disdain at the Court's ruling. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, although voicing his support for gay marriage publically, Bloomberg fought a lower court ruling that favored gay marriage because he believed it would have resulted in a hodge podge of rulings across the state. Courts upheld anti-gay marriage initiatives in Nebraska and Tennessee. In Arizona, gay rights supporters have filed suit to keep a marriage amendment vote from placed on the November ballot. That's not to mention all the other states that have rulings or intitiatives against gay marriage. In good old NJ, a decision is still in the waitings for gay marriage, but recent polls in NJ show the majority favor marriage among gays. And on a positive note, Congress voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment just as did the Senate a few months ago. So the battle continues. Amazing that a civil rights issue would be left to voters. Imagine if States voted on which Blacks were free and which remained slaves?

Since I last wrote, the Middle East is erupting in violence. This in itself is nothing out of the ordinary, but this time it just feels different. As much as I try, I cannot take my eyes off CNN where I watch this "reality tv" just wondering what will happen. And only time will tell.

So, there's a few of my thoughts for now. Hopefully I will continue despite my lack of readers.

Celebrate PRIDE!

There's nothing quite like the Gay Pride celebration in New York City. After about a 4 hour parade, the streets were filled with gay men and women celebrating their pride in who they are. From the serious to the sublime, here are just a few of the sites I witnessed:


NEW YORK CITY'S FINEST START OFF THE PARADE


HILARY CLINTON LENDS HER SUPPORT


THE FAMILIAR RAINBOW FLAG


A POLICAL STATEMENT


A LITTLE FUN


A LITTLE CRAZY


THE MANY FACES IN THE CROWD

Back From NYC

Spent a great time in NYC this weekend. Even in the rain, NYC is terrific. Here are just a couple pics from my adventure:


TIMES SQUARE ON A MIDNIGHT'S SUMMER NIGHT


NYC IN THE RAIN

More to come!

Rick Santorum-The Weapons of Mass Destruction Expert?

Senator Rick Santorum and Rep. Peter Hoekstra, both Republicans, now claim that Iraq did indeed have weapons of mass destruction. According to Santorum and Hoekstra Iraq had approximately 500 mustard gas and sarin nerve agent weapons. There's only one problem, Rick and Peter: intelligence officials say the weapons of mass destruction referred to by Santorum and Hoekstra were produced before the 1991 Gulf War and there is no evidence any such weapons were produced by Sadam Hussein following the Gulf War, and those produced prior to 1991 could more than likely do no damage.

I guess Rick Santorum is getting pretty worried about his upcoming November election bid. Polls show his support quickly sinking. Come on, Rick. You can't campaign on the Weapons of Mass Destruction theme forever! It may have worked at one time, but it isn't going to work again. That "fact" of Bush & Company, WMD, has been proven to be another exagerated bit of US intelligence a long time ago. While most Republicans are distancing themselves from Bush, Santorum is still trying to hang on to the Bush coattails. It ain't gonna work, Rick. You're going down. Thank God!

Celebrate Pride

It's off to New York City for the weekend, the primary reason to celebrate in NYC's Gay Pride Celebration weekend. Hope to have lots of pictures, stories, and memories to tell about when I return.

OH Those Caring Republicans

Well, once again the Republican controlled legislators have shown us how much they care about the "little guy." Last week, the the House gave themselves yet another pay raise, and today, the Senate squashed an increase in the minimum wage. So while workers are supposed to exist on $5.15 per hour, our Congress can live their lavish lives so they can solve the world's problems. And not only do US legislators get a nice pay, they have full health benefits...for life! Maybe the rationale there is to encourage the "little guy" to make a bid for Congress? Problem is, most of the "little guys" aren't crooked enough to make it in Congress!

But, we must not forget, that even though our Republican controlled Congress are selfish, they do care about our safety. The Republicans, afterall, are the party of the global war on terrorism. They are the supporters of Bush & Company, who keep all of us safe at night so that our babies can sleep soundly knowing terrorism won't get them. But then can babies that are hungry because their parents don't have food to buy them, sleep at all?

This Is All I Need

"Here's your card, Daddy. I am a little broke so I didn't get you any present," my daughter said to me today as she handed me this card. Well, to me, that's fine. All I really need is a "Happy Father's Day" salutation and I am pleased. My kids don't need to spend money on me; I have all that I need. Just letting me know they care is all the present I need!

Thanks To Our Reps

A letter sent to House Reps. Frank LoBiondo and Jim Saxton, and to the Press of Atlantic City:

I would like to thank Representatives Frank LoBiondo and Jim Saxton for sentencing more US soldiers to death in Iraq. By voting yes on a House resolution to not set a timetable for the pullout of US troops in Iraq, hundreds, maybe even thousands more, US men and women will die in Iraq.
Iraq is a quagmire in which the US must get out! Congress has sided with President Bush & Company to "stay the course." The reality is there is no "course" and the US will have to continue in Iraq for years to come. Face it. Whenever US soldiers leave an area of Iraq, insurgents return, set up their nests, and US soldiers must return. If the democracy Bush & Company wish to see is ever to be a reality, US involvement in Iraq will only increase.
The only hope is going to be when representatives devoted to see an end to the mess in Iraq are elected. The current president and Congress have no desire to see an end!
Thank you

Sorry Again Smokers....NOT

A Philadelphia smoking ban? Oh Happy Day! All I can say is how glad I am. And the poor bar and club owners! They're going to lose money? I don't think so. Maybe at first there will be a backlash of protestors staying home, but give it a little time, and those that love to hang at such establishments will be back. Those that stay away because of the smoke will beging to come too. So, business owners will make out better. Just be a little patient. Stop all the fuss! Let's face it: smoking is OUT!

Mad As Hell

A glass of red wine on an empty stomach, Natalie Maines singing, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not ready to back down" (Not Ready to Make Nice, Dixie Chicks, Taking The Long Way), and a copy of the latest The Advocate is a bad, bad combination! Why? Because I'm sick and tired of the self-righteous telling me what is and is not my right! And I'm sick and tired of the Democratic party being the wusses they are!

Ever since I bought the Dixie Chicks new CD, I have had the songs in my head. And I'm mad as hell! Then I read interview with Howard Dean, Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee in The Advocate. Dean recently was on Pat Robertson's television show, The 700 Club, and he stated that the Democratic party platform opposed gay marriage equality. Dean was wrong! But when asked by The Advocate "Why don't Democratic politicians who privately favor marriage equality back it publically," Dean's response was, "Because I think it's extremely controversial, and we need to work through that controversy....It is very important that the LGBT community and the Democratic Party not get divided over the one issue that we're still having a big conversation about." BULLSHIT, HOWARD!!! Since when is protecting the rights of the American people "controversial"?

The Democrats are just too afraid to say anything they fear will lose upcoming elections! The Democrats are too busy trying to kiss eveyone's ass that they let Bush & Company take the US to an illegal, unjust war, just as the Democrats are allowing the Republicans to crush the rights of Americans! The Democrats don't want to make any waves! Where's Hilary been? Hiding? Waiting for the right moment to come? Enough already, you wishey-washey Democrats! Stand up and defend the rights of the citizens of the US, no matter what their lifestyle.

I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!

When Things Get A Little To Warm

When the summer seems to get too hot, just remember...winter's not far away!

Support For The Chicks

Yesterday the local country station, WPUR 107.3 Cat Country, ran a contest to win tickets to see the Dixie Chicks in Philadelphia. Well, the contest was called "Win or Flush," and the caller who was the lucky one could choose to win the tickets or flush them in protest to the Dixie Chicks. As of about 6PM, there were only 2 winners that chose to flush the tickets. (I am not sure how many callers in total there were).

As you probably are aware, the Dixie Chicks caused quite a controversy when, prior to the Iraq war, Natalie Maines, the lead singer of the group, stated while in concert in London that, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas." (I have to say that I am ashamed George W. Bush was ever elected President of the US). Well that was enough to send most country music fans up the wall and call for a boycott, flogging, and some even death, to the Chicks. The majority of country music fans appreciate the Toby Keith mentality that, "You'll be sorry you messed with the U.S. of A./'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass/It's the American way." (Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)).

I was one of those few country music fans that had to say, "Way to go Natalie! Speak the truth!" I sometimes wonder why I listen to country music stations, me, a gay, liberal, Democrat! I always come up with the same answer: I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC, and where else am I going to hear country music? So, I make sure I let the stations I listen to know how I feel about the Dixie Chicks and other issues most country music fans like to put down, one being gay rights.

Well, the "Win or Flush" contest on Cat Country 107.3 motivated me to go buy a copy of the Dixie Chicks' new CD, Taking the Long Way. I gotta say the CD is pretty damn good. And the Chicks make no apologies whatsoever. Maines sings that she "Wouldn't kiss all the asses they told me to" in the song, THE LONG WAY AROUND. In NOT READY TO MAKE NICE, Maines sings, "Forgive, sounds good/Forget, I'm not sure I could/There's nothing left for me to figure out/I've paid a price/And I'll keep paying/I'm not ready to make nice." The songs are filled with bitterness toward the response to Maines' words 3 years ago, but she is confident, "I made my bed and I sleep like a baby." As a country music fan and an American, I give my support to the Dixie Chicks!